Deceit

13 - Legacy

Harlem:

Tonight was the night Ghost planned on revealing the location of Dogwood Tattoo along with the successor of Hemlock Tattoo. I never really dreamed of having my own shop, I just knew I wanted to tattoo; however, this was an adventure I sure looked forward to. Don't get me wrong, Rich and Julio were great artists but neither one of them had the dedication and clientele that I did. Anything less than being the new owner wasn't even on my mind. It was simply impossible.

Truthfully, I was more concerned with how things would be with Yamaris once I got back to Seattle and settled down. There was plenty of opportunity for her to do her lil' real estate thing and I would support her dream 100 percent. I needed support before so it would only be fair to return the favor to someone else. I knew enough about Yamaris to believe the possibility of forever could be real. It was a possibility I wanted with Krysta before she showed me how it really was with her.

As much as I wanted that relationship to succeed, I accepted the fact that we were two different people in different places emotionally, socially, and financially. In due time I truly believed that she'd find someone perfect for her... someone with the same qualities I saw in her at one point. The qualities I was now seeing in Yamaris. I hadn't even responded to a message Krysta sent since my first night with Yamaris. That alone showed my growth and commitment to becoming better. I didn't always keep myself on a leash but in order to attain a future with someone I wanted to love, I could. I had to.

"Get the fuck out the bathroom, bro! I gotta take a piss. You been in there for a whole hour!" Julio yelled as he beat on the bathroom door. I barely had my balls dry and was already being rushed out. Hell, if Yamaris wasn't so scary I would've gotten ready in her room.

"Alright, just hold on a second." I cinched the towel around my waist and grabbed everything I brought with me. Since the nigga wanted to be all rude, he couldn't use any of my shit.

The air was cold as it hit my slick skin. I wasn't even fully out of the door frame before Julio brushed past me and slammed the door.

"Manner are free, lil' dog! I'm sick of your attitude." I mumbled expletives to myself as I walked out of the room and into the hallway.

Julio was becoming a problem for me and it was clear he only cared about drama. Lil' nigga couldn't mind his own business and I was going to get him straight and soon.

"Oh my God, Harlem. Cover yourself!" Biyanca exclaimed as she walked to her room. Had I not been interrupted, I would've at least gotten my underwear on. I wasn't really a fan of putting clothes on while I was wet.

"My bad, Bee. It's just some dick. You'll get over it." I held onto my towel a little tighter as I jogged down the stairs.

I wasted no time getting ready once I was in the comfort of the basement. My outfit was already laid out and ready for me-a black turtle neck, dress pants, and black loafers with gold buckles. My gold chain and pinky ring were freshly cleaned and my gold bottoms set my look over the top. I had to show out. The night was mine and I had to be my best.

If things went as well as I knew they would, I could afford to move Tyra and the kids out of the hood too. I was going to be like Ghost and demand they move to Seattle with me but I at least wanted them to be in a better environment. To go to a great school and live without hearing gunshots or seeing niggas slang all day. I wanted to give them the chance Tyra and I never had as kids.